ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE
CARIDAD FERRER
MTV Books
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$9.95
ISBN-10: 1-4165-2473-8
Rating: 4.5 Enchantments
Alegria "Ali" Montero is a strong seventeen year old who knows exactly what she wants in life – to seriously pursue her music, just not in the same way her music professor father did. While he loves teaching, Ali wants to be on stage, performing her music, her way. She just needs him to see that. Auditioning for the hot new reality show, Oye Mi Canto, that's looking for the next Latin Superstar might just be the way to accomplish that. But when Ali unexpectedly makes the show, she's thrown into a world she couldn't have even imagined, let alone dreamt of being a part of.
Dealing with being the only underage contestant on the show and her father's reluctance for her to compete to having to put up with the resident wicked witch in pop star wannabe in Fabriana, make Ali's journey from audition to finale a must read.
I loved this book! Ali is a wonderful character, who does what she has to in order to make her dreams a reality. Several interesting plot twists had me gasping out loud. This book will have you staying up past curfew to keep the pages turning.
Ms. Ferrer's debut is a wonderfully written entertaining read.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Review
Monday, December 31, 2007
Enchanting Review: It's Not About The Accent
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE ACCENT
CARIDAD FERRER
MTV Books
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$9.95
ISBN-10: 1416524916
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Caroline Darcy always wanted a life as exotic as her beloved great-grandmother's. Tired of being her boring old self, Caroline's got the perfect plan, when she goes off to college for the summer session, she's going to adopt a whole new persona. As vivacious Carolina, a half-cuban aspiring actress, Caroline is ready for adventure. But sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Things at school start off well. Carolina seems to be a hit with everyone, especially the guys. At her first party, she meets Erik, your typical frat boy. Their connection is almost instantaneous. Then there's Peter, the cute guy she meets at the same party who lives just down the hall. And the way he calls her Caro makes her smile.
It seems like Carolina is a success, but maybe too much of one. As her and Peter become good friends, her relationship with Erik heats up. Between studying with Peter and partying with Erik, her days are full. But when things suddenly go bad and Caroline finds herself in a dire situation, its Peter who bursts in and rescues her from the brutal attack.
This book is darker in tone then Ms. Ferrer's debut, but it's just as engrossing a read. Caroline's journey is filled with a number of twists and surprising turns, that take her from small town Ohio, to her summer on campus to Miami and back to Ohio as she discovers her own life might be just interesting as her beloved Nana’s.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
CARIDAD FERRER
MTV Books
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$9.95
ISBN-10: 1416524916
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Caroline Darcy always wanted a life as exotic as her beloved great-grandmother's. Tired of being her boring old self, Caroline's got the perfect plan, when she goes off to college for the summer session, she's going to adopt a whole new persona. As vivacious Carolina, a half-cuban aspiring actress, Caroline is ready for adventure. But sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Things at school start off well. Carolina seems to be a hit with everyone, especially the guys. At her first party, she meets Erik, your typical frat boy. Their connection is almost instantaneous. Then there's Peter, the cute guy she meets at the same party who lives just down the hall. And the way he calls her Caro makes her smile.
It seems like Carolina is a success, but maybe too much of one. As her and Peter become good friends, her relationship with Erik heats up. Between studying with Peter and partying with Erik, her days are full. But when things suddenly go bad and Caroline finds herself in a dire situation, its Peter who bursts in and rescues her from the brutal attack.
This book is darker in tone then Ms. Ferrer's debut, but it's just as engrossing a read. Caroline's journey is filled with a number of twists and surprising turns, that take her from small town Ohio, to her summer on campus to Miami and back to Ohio as she discovers her own life might be just interesting as her beloved Nana’s.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Revenge Of The Homecoming Queen
REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN# 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it’s not her name that's read. Instead, Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird. Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible. When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who’s behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to Aspen next.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN# 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it’s not her name that's read. Instead, Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird. Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible. When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who’s behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to Aspen next.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Love Thy Sister, Guard Thy Man
LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
KIMBERLEE R. MENDOZA
The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Inspirational Young Adult
ISBN: Print ISBN 1-60154-104-X
Paperback
PRICE: N/A
Rating: 5 enchantments
Meet Melena Russell, a shy 18 year old young woman who has always stepped down and
backed away from any type of serious relationship, except that of her love and devotion to
God. Now meet Dylan Hart. He is the first guy in a long time to intrigue Melena since her
unrequited feelings for Rick. Melena and Dylan begin something wonderful at a Christian
Summer Camp and though the future looks bright for them, Cassandra, Melena’s younger
sister, has other ideas.
Cassandra is selfish, angry, and spiteful, but most of all she is lost. Can Melena with God’s
help break the barrier between them, and will her brother Nick ever recover from the
accident that hurt him and killed his girlfriend?
The only real hope besides God for Melena and Dylan are their best friends Chad and April.
April knows what Cassandra has done to Melena throughout the years, and with Chad’s
help, they continually bring Dylan and Melena together.
LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN by Kimberlee R. Mendoza is a wonderfully refreshing treat and glimpse into the life of a Teenage Christian trying to find her way in the world. Though Melena’s life has its ups and downs, her faith in God is inspiring. Thank you Ms. Mendoza for bringing us Melena and all the wonderful and very real characters of LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
BrandyWine
Enchanting Reviews
2007
KIMBERLEE R. MENDOZA
The Wild Rose Press
Contemporary Inspirational Young Adult
ISBN: Print ISBN 1-60154-104-X
Paperback
PRICE: N/A
Rating: 5 enchantments
Meet Melena Russell, a shy 18 year old young woman who has always stepped down and
backed away from any type of serious relationship, except that of her love and devotion to
God. Now meet Dylan Hart. He is the first guy in a long time to intrigue Melena since her
unrequited feelings for Rick. Melena and Dylan begin something wonderful at a Christian
Summer Camp and though the future looks bright for them, Cassandra, Melena’s younger
sister, has other ideas.
Cassandra is selfish, angry, and spiteful, but most of all she is lost. Can Melena with God’s
help break the barrier between them, and will her brother Nick ever recover from the
accident that hurt him and killed his girlfriend?
The only real hope besides God for Melena and Dylan are their best friends Chad and April.
April knows what Cassandra has done to Melena throughout the years, and with Chad’s
help, they continually bring Dylan and Melena together.
LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN by Kimberlee R. Mendoza is a wonderfully refreshing treat and glimpse into the life of a Teenage Christian trying to find her way in the world. Though Melena’s life has its ups and downs, her faith in God is inspiring. Thank you Ms. Mendoza for bringing us Melena and all the wonderful and very real characters of LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN
BrandyWine
Enchanting Reviews
2007
Enchanting Review: Don't Get It Twisted
DON’T GET IT TWISTED
PAULA CHASE
Dafina
Paperback
$9.95
ISBN-10: 0758218613
Rating: 4 Enchantments
DON’T GET IT TWISTED is the sequel to the first book in the Del Rio Bay Clique series, SO NOT THE DRAMA.
Mina Mooney’s been asked to one of the hottest parties of the year, the Frenzy, by one of the hottest guys at school. Craig Simpson. Only one little problem -- she’s not allowed to date until she’s fifteen. And her parents aren’t exactly willing to let her go to the party, date or no date.
That’s where the Clique comes in, they’re going to have her back. Her girls are going to be her perfect cover to get to her to Frenzy and more importantly, to her big date with Craig.
But things are never that simple. Aside from the boy drama, Mina now has to tryout for the school newspaper, competing with another student to write a column that was her own idea. Not to be outdone, her clique has their own drama going on. Jacinta has boyfriend problems; JZ’s got issues with his schoolwork that could cost him his spot on the basketball team; Kelly’s interested in Angel, the hottie hustler from The Cove and the hot new basketball player Brian keeps flirting with Mina, even when she keeps telling him she has a boyfriend.
DON’T GET IT TWISTED shows what high school is like for a lot of teens, the struggle to fit in and make it through the year as unscathed as possible which in Mina’s case is pretty impossible.
Readers would probably benefit from reading the first in the series before reading DON’T GET IT TWISTED as I did feel a little lost with the characters at times.
I look forward to reading the continuing stories in the Del Rio Bay Clique series.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
PAULA CHASE
Dafina
Paperback
$9.95
ISBN-10: 0758218613
Rating: 4 Enchantments
DON’T GET IT TWISTED is the sequel to the first book in the Del Rio Bay Clique series, SO NOT THE DRAMA.
Mina Mooney’s been asked to one of the hottest parties of the year, the Frenzy, by one of the hottest guys at school. Craig Simpson. Only one little problem -- she’s not allowed to date until she’s fifteen. And her parents aren’t exactly willing to let her go to the party, date or no date.
That’s where the Clique comes in, they’re going to have her back. Her girls are going to be her perfect cover to get to her to Frenzy and more importantly, to her big date with Craig.
But things are never that simple. Aside from the boy drama, Mina now has to tryout for the school newspaper, competing with another student to write a column that was her own idea. Not to be outdone, her clique has their own drama going on. Jacinta has boyfriend problems; JZ’s got issues with his schoolwork that could cost him his spot on the basketball team; Kelly’s interested in Angel, the hottie hustler from The Cove and the hot new basketball player Brian keeps flirting with Mina, even when she keeps telling him she has a boyfriend.
DON’T GET IT TWISTED shows what high school is like for a lot of teens, the struggle to fit in and make it through the year as unscathed as possible which in Mina’s case is pretty impossible.
Readers would probably benefit from reading the first in the series before reading DON’T GET IT TWISTED as I did feel a little lost with the characters at times.
I look forward to reading the continuing stories in the Del Rio Bay Clique series.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Project Paris
PROJECT PARIS (The Fashion-Forward Adventures of Imogene)
LISA BARHAM
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade Paperback
Simon Pulse
ISBN-10: 1416914447
$9.99
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Imogene is back. This time she gets to spend the summer in Paris, working again as an intern at HAUTELAW and covering the much anticipated Couture Week. Well that is, until the models go on strike and all the fashion shows are cancelled. Imogene panics, knowing if there’s nothing to cover, there’s nothing to keep her in Paris - that is, until she stumbles upon a hidden stash of designs. She and Evie concoct a scheme to keep Imogene in Paris, covering the hot, new and not to mention elusive designer, Monsieur X.
The only problem, Imogene’s not sure Monsieur X really even still exists and now her whole summer depends on that little piece of info not being found out.
I have to say I loved this book. It picks up a year after A GIRL LIKE MOI left off and Imogene is a little more mature and a little more experienced. Finally her dream of spending the summer in France is coming true. But when her dream summer is threatened, she’ll do anything she can to convince Spring Sommer to keep her in Paris, overseeing the Parisian operation of HAUTELAW - which at the moment, doesn’t amount to much more then checking in on the renovation of the houseboat that will serve as their offices.
Add in the appearance of Brooke and the rest of her Wolfe pack and Imogene’s summer has the potential for disaster.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
December 2007
LISA BARHAM
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade Paperback
Simon Pulse
ISBN-10: 1416914447
$9.99
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Imogene is back. This time she gets to spend the summer in Paris, working again as an intern at HAUTELAW and covering the much anticipated Couture Week. Well that is, until the models go on strike and all the fashion shows are cancelled. Imogene panics, knowing if there’s nothing to cover, there’s nothing to keep her in Paris - that is, until she stumbles upon a hidden stash of designs. She and Evie concoct a scheme to keep Imogene in Paris, covering the hot, new and not to mention elusive designer, Monsieur X.
The only problem, Imogene’s not sure Monsieur X really even still exists and now her whole summer depends on that little piece of info not being found out.
I have to say I loved this book. It picks up a year after A GIRL LIKE MOI left off and Imogene is a little more mature and a little more experienced. Finally her dream of spending the summer in France is coming true. But when her dream summer is threatened, she’ll do anything she can to convince Spring Sommer to keep her in Paris, overseeing the Parisian operation of HAUTELAW - which at the moment, doesn’t amount to much more then checking in on the renovation of the houseboat that will serve as their offices.
Add in the appearance of Brooke and the rest of her Wolfe pack and Imogene’s summer has the potential for disaster.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
December 2007
Enchanting Review: Goddess Games
GODDESS GAMES
NIKI BURNHAM
Simon and Schuster
Contemporary Young Adult
Hardcover
$15.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-2700-X
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
GODDESS GAMES focuses mainly on the relationships between the three girls, all with totally different backgrounds who are forced to become room mates during a summer working at King's Crown resort in Juniper, Colorado.
Seneca could be the stereotypical poor little rich girl. She's harboring a secret - her mother's acting career is a mess, and her working in Juniper is part of her plan to help get her and her mom's life back on track.
Drew, the female jock, is on vacation from her mother after facing a terrible loss. Her focus is solely on training to become an even better runner.
Claire is the reforming party girl who's searching for a deeper relationship with God to help get her life on the right path.
Things aren't exactly smooth sailing for the three roommates, particularly with each other. In a tiny cabin it’s easy to for conflict to arise, especially when they don't exactly make the best first impression on each other. Drew and Claire see Seneca as fairly superficial, Seneca sees Drew as rude, and Drew and Seneca see Claire as quiet and somewhat withdrawn.
Conflict abounds when Claire can't be sure of the motive behind Seneca's interest in her L.A. boyfriend and Drew can't stand what she sees as Seneca's superficial ways. As the summer wears on, each girl is forced to deal with their own growing problems until one night forces the three to bond together and their friendship is finally cemented.
I really enjoyed this book, as the reader gets to see other sides to the girls that the characters don’t know about till later in the book. Each girl has their own point of view and it’s interesting to see what is actually going on with them and their misconstrued views of each other. I especially enjoyed watching Seneca fall for a guy who is so not her typical type.
GODDESS GIRLS is an enjoyable read, with a strong focus on the budding friendship between three girls as they search for themselves.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
NIKI BURNHAM
Simon and Schuster
Contemporary Young Adult
Hardcover
$15.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-2700-X
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
GODDESS GAMES focuses mainly on the relationships between the three girls, all with totally different backgrounds who are forced to become room mates during a summer working at King's Crown resort in Juniper, Colorado.
Seneca could be the stereotypical poor little rich girl. She's harboring a secret - her mother's acting career is a mess, and her working in Juniper is part of her plan to help get her and her mom's life back on track.
Drew, the female jock, is on vacation from her mother after facing a terrible loss. Her focus is solely on training to become an even better runner.
Claire is the reforming party girl who's searching for a deeper relationship with God to help get her life on the right path.
Things aren't exactly smooth sailing for the three roommates, particularly with each other. In a tiny cabin it’s easy to for conflict to arise, especially when they don't exactly make the best first impression on each other. Drew and Claire see Seneca as fairly superficial, Seneca sees Drew as rude, and Drew and Seneca see Claire as quiet and somewhat withdrawn.
Conflict abounds when Claire can't be sure of the motive behind Seneca's interest in her L.A. boyfriend and Drew can't stand what she sees as Seneca's superficial ways. As the summer wears on, each girl is forced to deal with their own growing problems until one night forces the three to bond together and their friendship is finally cemented.
I really enjoyed this book, as the reader gets to see other sides to the girls that the characters don’t know about till later in the book. Each girl has their own point of view and it’s interesting to see what is actually going on with them and their misconstrued views of each other. I especially enjoyed watching Seneca fall for a guy who is so not her typical type.
GODDESS GIRLS is an enjoyable read, with a strong focus on the budding friendship between three girls as they search for themselves.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress
TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS
TINA FERRARO
YA Contemporary
Delacorte Press
Trade paperback
ISBN-10: 978-0-385-73368-7
$13.99
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Nicolette ‘Nic’ Antonovich was dumped two days before the prom. But to her, that’s all in the past, except for the fact that her unworn prom dress hangs behind her bedroom door and she might still, on occasion, slip it on. It is the perfect prom dress after all.
But things are starting to change. Rascal, who was the dumper to her dumpee, is suddenly starting to pay her an awful lot of attention. Her best friend doesn’t want to hear another word about Rascal, let alone that Nic might be starting to fall for him all over again. Jared, her best friend’s brother, is turning weird big brother on her. And even weirder, it almost looks like Rascal and Jared are fighting - over her!
Nic’s a great character, a typical teenage girl who finds herself caught between two guys, her dream guy in Rascal and her friend Jared, whose behavior she just can’t figure out lately. This book was a definite page turner, with several great scenes that stick in your mind once you close the cover.
TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS is Tina Ferraro’s first young adult novel.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
TINA FERRARO
YA Contemporary
Delacorte Press
Trade paperback
ISBN-10: 978-0-385-73368-7
$13.99
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Nicolette ‘Nic’ Antonovich was dumped two days before the prom. But to her, that’s all in the past, except for the fact that her unworn prom dress hangs behind her bedroom door and she might still, on occasion, slip it on. It is the perfect prom dress after all.
But things are starting to change. Rascal, who was the dumper to her dumpee, is suddenly starting to pay her an awful lot of attention. Her best friend doesn’t want to hear another word about Rascal, let alone that Nic might be starting to fall for him all over again. Jared, her best friend’s brother, is turning weird big brother on her. And even weirder, it almost looks like Rascal and Jared are fighting - over her!
Nic’s a great character, a typical teenage girl who finds herself caught between two guys, her dream guy in Rascal and her friend Jared, whose behavior she just can’t figure out lately. This book was a definite page turner, with several great scenes that stick in your mind once you close the cover.
TOP TEN USES FOR AN UNWORN PROM DRESS is Tina Ferraro’s first young adult novel.
Reviewed by Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: The Boys Next Door
THE BOYS NEXT DOOR
JENNIFER ECHOLS
Simon Pulse
YA Romantic Comedy
Paperback
$6.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-1831-0
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Lori loves summertime. She spends her summers wakeboarding, swimming and working at the marina with the Vader brothers next door.
But this summer’s going to be different. For one, Lori’s going to turn sixteen and she’s determined to go from tomboy to girlfriend - Sean Vader’s girlfriend to be precise. All she needs is a little make over and she’s convinced he’ll be hers.
Step one in the makeover seems to work. Sean spends the boat ride flirting with her but when she sees him kissing his brother’s girlfriend, she realizes her plan might need a little tweaking. And what better way to get his attention then to make him jealous?
And no better candidate than his younger brother and her best friend, Adam.
Sure, Adam looks just like Sean. But his eyes are just a little lighter. And the only way at times she can tell them apart is the skull and crossbones chain Adam wears that she gave him years ago. So pretending to be in love with Adam should be easy, just pretend he’s Sean. Except Lori doesn’t expect the fake relationship to feel so real. The fake date seems real enough to her. And so do the kisses.
Lori’s antics will make you laugh and watching her realize Adam’s feelings for her are more real than she wants to admit keeps the reader turning pages. THE BOYS NEXT DOOR is an entertaining read by Ms.Echols.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
JENNIFER ECHOLS
Simon Pulse
YA Romantic Comedy
Paperback
$6.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-1831-0
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
Lori loves summertime. She spends her summers wakeboarding, swimming and working at the marina with the Vader brothers next door.
But this summer’s going to be different. For one, Lori’s going to turn sixteen and she’s determined to go from tomboy to girlfriend - Sean Vader’s girlfriend to be precise. All she needs is a little make over and she’s convinced he’ll be hers.
Step one in the makeover seems to work. Sean spends the boat ride flirting with her but when she sees him kissing his brother’s girlfriend, she realizes her plan might need a little tweaking. And what better way to get his attention then to make him jealous?
And no better candidate than his younger brother and her best friend, Adam.
Sure, Adam looks just like Sean. But his eyes are just a little lighter. And the only way at times she can tell them apart is the skull and crossbones chain Adam wears that she gave him years ago. So pretending to be in love with Adam should be easy, just pretend he’s Sean. Except Lori doesn’t expect the fake relationship to feel so real. The fake date seems real enough to her. And so do the kisses.
Lori’s antics will make you laugh and watching her realize Adam’s feelings for her are more real than she wants to admit keeps the reader turning pages. THE BOYS NEXT DOOR is an entertaining read by Ms.Echols.
Lisa
YA Director
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: The Silver Moon Elm
THE SILVER MOON ELM – A JENNIFER SCALES NOVEL
MARYJANICE DAVIDSON & ANTHONY ALONGI
Berkley
Paranormal
ISBN:978-0-425-21526-5
Paperback
$9.99
Rating: 4 enchantments
Meet Jennifer Scales, weredragon, beaststalker, and Ancient Furnace. And all at the tender age of fifteen too! Without a license.
In her quest to relieve her burden of keeping secrets from her friends, Jennifer takes them with her when she goes to Crescent Valley, meeting place for the dragons.
While Jennifer discovers a new power as the Ancient Furnace – calling a nest of Fire Bees to her – she quickly learns that there is way more to her parent’s history with the clan of dragons than she ever thought.
When her best friend/ex-boyfriend, Skip, lures her out with ice cream and lets her fall
asleep in the park, Jennifer is boggled and very angry when she wakes up to a world that is very different from her own – one where her parents no longer exist, and where werachnids rule the town!
In her quest to turn her world to rights, Jennifer meets one of the pure dragons, and sees a different side to the people she thought she knew. Even the person she knows as her
mother is incredibly different! In all of this, the one surprising constant is the silver moon elm that brought her parents together, and will now help her bring her world back.
Ms. Davidson and Mr. Alongi bring together a tale full of the emotions and realities of teen life. The insecurities and jealousies, along with love and its strength, make this book pop! I can truly identify with some of what’s been written here, from my own teen years, and even now in my early twenties. I dunno about you, but I would go to the same lengths that Jennifer did to have my loved ones back!
Awesome book! I can’t wait to read more of this series!
One or two colorful words, however, make this more appropriate for the teen reader,
probably fourteen and up.
Cimorene
Enchanting Reviews
2007
MARYJANICE DAVIDSON & ANTHONY ALONGI
Berkley
Paranormal
ISBN:978-0-425-21526-5
Paperback
$9.99
Rating: 4 enchantments
Meet Jennifer Scales, weredragon, beaststalker, and Ancient Furnace. And all at the tender age of fifteen too! Without a license.
In her quest to relieve her burden of keeping secrets from her friends, Jennifer takes them with her when she goes to Crescent Valley, meeting place for the dragons.
While Jennifer discovers a new power as the Ancient Furnace – calling a nest of Fire Bees to her – she quickly learns that there is way more to her parent’s history with the clan of dragons than she ever thought.
When her best friend/ex-boyfriend, Skip, lures her out with ice cream and lets her fall
asleep in the park, Jennifer is boggled and very angry when she wakes up to a world that is very different from her own – one where her parents no longer exist, and where werachnids rule the town!
In her quest to turn her world to rights, Jennifer meets one of the pure dragons, and sees a different side to the people she thought she knew. Even the person she knows as her
mother is incredibly different! In all of this, the one surprising constant is the silver moon elm that brought her parents together, and will now help her bring her world back.
Ms. Davidson and Mr. Alongi bring together a tale full of the emotions and realities of teen life. The insecurities and jealousies, along with love and its strength, make this book pop! I can truly identify with some of what’s been written here, from my own teen years, and even now in my early twenties. I dunno about you, but I would go to the same lengths that Jennifer did to have my loved ones back!
Awesome book! I can’t wait to read more of this series!
One or two colorful words, however, make this more appropriate for the teen reader,
probably fourteen and up.
Cimorene
Enchanting Reviews
2007
Enchanting Review: Return To Zandria
RETURN TO ZANDRIA
CHRISTINE NORRIS
Young adult fantasy
LBF Books
E-book/Print 14.95
ISBN 1-885093-51-9
ISBN 1-897370-17-2
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Ivy's a young girl on the brink of becoming a young woman, who has forgotten her dreams, her fantasies, to live in the real world. Until one day her fantasy comes back to her and she will not let it go this time.
Connor, who I think, has the possibility of being the hero of this tale. A young man just a little older than Ivy, but in responsibility, years older. He lives in a world that Ivy had forgotten but he and his friends will make sure she never forgets again.
This is a great tale of the adventure of a young girl learning about true friendship and the lengths you will go to help save your friends, who just happen to come from another world, a world of dragons, fairies, unicorns and of course, the evil ones who will stop at nothing to stop the young friends from finding what has been stolen.
I liked this book because it brought me back to the kind of book I read as a young girl. And I still read them. It has all my favorites - Unicorns, Dragons, good vs. evil. and heroines and heroes with the courage to do what it takes to rescue a friend and defeat the evil one. This is one I will be buying for my 14 yr old daughter.
I do not know much about the author except she writes a great story and I hope she will enchant us with more of Ivy's adventures.
Melanie
Enchanting Reviews
2007
CHRISTINE NORRIS
Young adult fantasy
LBF Books
E-book/Print 14.95
ISBN 1-885093-51-9
ISBN 1-897370-17-2
Rating: 5 Enchantments
Ivy's a young girl on the brink of becoming a young woman, who has forgotten her dreams, her fantasies, to live in the real world. Until one day her fantasy comes back to her and she will not let it go this time.
Connor, who I think, has the possibility of being the hero of this tale. A young man just a little older than Ivy, but in responsibility, years older. He lives in a world that Ivy had forgotten but he and his friends will make sure she never forgets again.
This is a great tale of the adventure of a young girl learning about true friendship and the lengths you will go to help save your friends, who just happen to come from another world, a world of dragons, fairies, unicorns and of course, the evil ones who will stop at nothing to stop the young friends from finding what has been stolen.
I liked this book because it brought me back to the kind of book I read as a young girl. And I still read them. It has all my favorites - Unicorns, Dragons, good vs. evil. and heroines and heroes with the courage to do what it takes to rescue a friend and defeat the evil one. This is one I will be buying for my 14 yr old daughter.
I do not know much about the author except she writes a great story and I hope she will enchant us with more of Ivy's adventures.
Melanie
Enchanting Reviews
2007
Enchanting Review: The Dark Warriors
THE DARK WARRIORS
SFX FANTASY
LuLu
ISBN: 978-1-4303-0957-4
eBook
fantasy, young adult, paranormal romance
Price: N/A
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Welcome to the SXF Fantasy series; this is the third book. It starts up where it left off with Jake
and Sarah, his flying companion. These two elite warriors battle the shadow beasts ravaging
and destroying their lands.
Jake has trouble with his fuzzy memories, but Sarah is able to unburden Jake’s mind and open
him up with her love. With the help of their friends Helen, Bob and Torin, these warriors stand
up and battle the monsters in the dark.
This book is wonderfully written. The intense plot will keep you turning the pages and wanting
more. The epilogue “Nine Years” is an added teaser about Jake and Sarah. THE DARK
WARRIORS is a gripping tale that will lead its reader gasping for more. If you have not read
the first two books, I recommend starting with WARRIOR GIRL and LOST IN ANOTHER
REALM. You won’t want to leave this series off your reading list.
Raven
Enchanting Reviews
SFX FANTASY
LuLu
ISBN: 978-1-4303-0957-4
eBook
fantasy, young adult, paranormal romance
Price: N/A
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Welcome to the SXF Fantasy series; this is the third book. It starts up where it left off with Jake
and Sarah, his flying companion. These two elite warriors battle the shadow beasts ravaging
and destroying their lands.
Jake has trouble with his fuzzy memories, but Sarah is able to unburden Jake’s mind and open
him up with her love. With the help of their friends Helen, Bob and Torin, these warriors stand
up and battle the monsters in the dark.
This book is wonderfully written. The intense plot will keep you turning the pages and wanting
more. The epilogue “Nine Years” is an added teaser about Jake and Sarah. THE DARK
WARRIORS is a gripping tale that will lead its reader gasping for more. If you have not read
the first two books, I recommend starting with WARRIOR GIRL and LOST IN ANOTHER
REALM. You won’t want to leave this series off your reading list.
Raven
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Lost In Another Realm
LOST IN ANOTHER REALM
SFX FANTASY
Lulu
ISBN# 1847283004
eBook
Fantasy, young adult, paranormal romance
$6.35 e-book Download
Rating: 3 Enchantments
Jake and Sarah are back! Sort of. Sarah’s been snatched away to another realm by a Bara’ad, a creature resembling black jelly, whose tentacle-touch can paralyze. Jake hears her telepathic cry for help and follows her in. Only then does he realize that their powers are gone.
Jake sees the Bara’ad making off with his lady love and chases after them. When Jake attacks, he casts around for a weapon and spies an unexpected one! A fruit known as a fire melon. When a rock covered in the juice of the fire melon hits the creature, it fades away, leaving Sarah behind in one piece.
As Jake and Sarah help themselves to the warm fruit to keep up their strength and repelthe Bara’ad, Jake tells Sarah he’s been to this realm before but retained his powers. Something new has taken them away.
After a run-in with a sea-serpent, the couple takes shelter in a nearby cave for the night. The next morning, after feasting on roasted fowl and fashioning themselves some arrows, the couple is attacked by Spidr’ac. To get away, Jake lassoes a flying horse, and lifts himself and Sarah out of the clutches of the horrible beasts. The horse wings the couple out over a mountain range dividing the real in two. On the other side of the range, Dark Beasts are working hard and preparing for battle. Jake figures that the Dark Beasts are
there to test the very device that is suppressing the Warriors powers.
This very suppression device is taken to the realm where the Warriors reside, and battle rages through out the world. People are infected and become Dark Creatures. Warriors fall prey to tricks and cruelty and die. One of the Warriors has been swayed, through his greed and jealousy, to turn on his comrades and plant the power-suppression device under their very noses!
In this sequel to WARRIOR GIRL, Ms. Yong brings us a world even more exciting than the last. The fire melons – both a weapon and a food – sound positively yummy. And Jake and Sarah seem even more in love than before, if that’s possible!
Again, I have to give Ms. Yong a hand. Her imagination is truly astounding. Each new world is more fantastic and mind boggling than the next.
Cimorene
Enchanting Reviews
SFX FANTASY
Lulu
ISBN# 1847283004
eBook
Fantasy, young adult, paranormal romance
$6.35 e-book Download
Rating: 3 Enchantments
Jake and Sarah are back! Sort of. Sarah’s been snatched away to another realm by a Bara’ad, a creature resembling black jelly, whose tentacle-touch can paralyze. Jake hears her telepathic cry for help and follows her in. Only then does he realize that their powers are gone.
Jake sees the Bara’ad making off with his lady love and chases after them. When Jake attacks, he casts around for a weapon and spies an unexpected one! A fruit known as a fire melon. When a rock covered in the juice of the fire melon hits the creature, it fades away, leaving Sarah behind in one piece.
As Jake and Sarah help themselves to the warm fruit to keep up their strength and repelthe Bara’ad, Jake tells Sarah he’s been to this realm before but retained his powers. Something new has taken them away.
After a run-in with a sea-serpent, the couple takes shelter in a nearby cave for the night. The next morning, after feasting on roasted fowl and fashioning themselves some arrows, the couple is attacked by Spidr’ac. To get away, Jake lassoes a flying horse, and lifts himself and Sarah out of the clutches of the horrible beasts. The horse wings the couple out over a mountain range dividing the real in two. On the other side of the range, Dark Beasts are working hard and preparing for battle. Jake figures that the Dark Beasts are
there to test the very device that is suppressing the Warriors powers.
This very suppression device is taken to the realm where the Warriors reside, and battle rages through out the world. People are infected and become Dark Creatures. Warriors fall prey to tricks and cruelty and die. One of the Warriors has been swayed, through his greed and jealousy, to turn on his comrades and plant the power-suppression device under their very noses!
In this sequel to WARRIOR GIRL, Ms. Yong brings us a world even more exciting than the last. The fire melons – both a weapon and a food – sound positively yummy. And Jake and Sarah seem even more in love than before, if that’s possible!
Again, I have to give Ms. Yong a hand. Her imagination is truly astounding. Each new world is more fantastic and mind boggling than the next.
Cimorene
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Warrior Girl
WARRIOR GIRL
SFX Fantasy
Lulu
ISBN# 1847286542
eBook
fantasy, young adult, paranormal romance
$6.09 ebook download
Rating: 3 Enchantments
In the beginning, our young heroine, Sarah, escapes the vicious Ven'eelg - a creature with the upper body of a human, and the tail of a serpent - by flying, something she never knew she could do. In her attempt to distance herself from the Ven'eelg, Sarah encounters dragons, Spidr’ ac - the spider version of a centaur, Bate'evon - vampires with bat form, and finally, Jake.
Jake is an elite warrior, one of the legendary flying men who fight evil beings like the Ven’eelg and the dragons. Due to circumstances, Jake has an excess of power, which he shares with those strong enough to become warriors. Jake informs Sarah that he’d been watching her and shared some of his power with her to help her get away.
Jake and Sarah come to an agreement, whereby he teaches her how to become a stealth warrior. A problem arises when Sarah’s appearance as a warrior sends Jake running to his co-chief, Torin, asking him to find someone else to train Sarah because he’s too attracted to her.
Torin performs a mind probe on Sarah and discovers that she should be trained as an elite warrior, not stealth. He informs Jake that he is to speed up Sarah’s training. While the energy crackles and fizzles between Jake and Sarah, they manage to continue her training, and even go out on assignment to enemy territory. Very soon they find out that a she-serpent named Ley’dya is on Jake’s trail and after the excess of power he holds.
Before long, a host of dragons, Ven’eelg, Spidr’ac, and Bate’evon are gathered to make war on the Warriors and those they protect.
To save those he loves, Jake lets his power consume him as he unleashes it to destroy the enemy. To save the man she loves, Sarah absorbs as much of that power as she can through a very tender, steamy, setting-fire-to-equipment kiss that can only leave us mere mortals jealous and in awe.
I have to give Ms. Yong props here. Her story is very creative. I truly cannot think of one single book I have ever read that has included anything even remotely close to the Spidr’ac in WARRIOR GIRL.
I’m also very much in like with her comparisons, which added a level of humor to this fantastic story.
In my humble opinion, Ms. Yong has a ton of potential that she has tapped into here, and with a little more experience, could be on the level with David Farland (Wizard Born). This is worth the read, especially when you see what the imagination can create!
Cimorene
Enchanting Reviews
SFX Fantasy
Lulu
ISBN# 1847286542
eBook
fantasy, young adult, paranormal romance
$6.09 ebook download
Rating: 3 Enchantments
In the beginning, our young heroine, Sarah, escapes the vicious Ven'eelg - a creature with the upper body of a human, and the tail of a serpent - by flying, something she never knew she could do. In her attempt to distance herself from the Ven'eelg, Sarah encounters dragons, Spidr’ ac - the spider version of a centaur, Bate'evon - vampires with bat form, and finally, Jake.
Jake is an elite warrior, one of the legendary flying men who fight evil beings like the Ven’eelg and the dragons. Due to circumstances, Jake has an excess of power, which he shares with those strong enough to become warriors. Jake informs Sarah that he’d been watching her and shared some of his power with her to help her get away.
Jake and Sarah come to an agreement, whereby he teaches her how to become a stealth warrior. A problem arises when Sarah’s appearance as a warrior sends Jake running to his co-chief, Torin, asking him to find someone else to train Sarah because he’s too attracted to her.
Torin performs a mind probe on Sarah and discovers that she should be trained as an elite warrior, not stealth. He informs Jake that he is to speed up Sarah’s training. While the energy crackles and fizzles between Jake and Sarah, they manage to continue her training, and even go out on assignment to enemy territory. Very soon they find out that a she-serpent named Ley’dya is on Jake’s trail and after the excess of power he holds.
Before long, a host of dragons, Ven’eelg, Spidr’ac, and Bate’evon are gathered to make war on the Warriors and those they protect.
To save those he loves, Jake lets his power consume him as he unleashes it to destroy the enemy. To save the man she loves, Sarah absorbs as much of that power as she can through a very tender, steamy, setting-fire-to-equipment kiss that can only leave us mere mortals jealous and in awe.
I have to give Ms. Yong props here. Her story is very creative. I truly cannot think of one single book I have ever read that has included anything even remotely close to the Spidr’ac in WARRIOR GIRL.
I’m also very much in like with her comparisons, which added a level of humor to this fantastic story.
In my humble opinion, Ms. Yong has a ton of potential that she has tapped into here, and with a little more experience, could be on the level with David Farland (Wizard Born). This is worth the read, especially when you see what the imagination can create!
Cimorene
Enchanting Reviews
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Enchanting Reviews: Lisa Barham Interview
1. How long have you been writing?
1. That's a great question. Looking back, I think I've been writing ever since I could hold a pencil. Of course, I didn't know I was writing when I was doodling away stream of consciously––plunging the depths of my early pre-adolescent emotions, and drawing and developing characters in my notebooks. (Ahh, If only I had those precious notebooks today!!) Later, as an editor at a fashion forecasting company, I had to write. And subsequently, I worked in the entertainment industry, developing material for motion pictures and television. I'd also written a couple of screenplays, which helped me hone my writing skills. But it wasn't until A GIRL LIKE MOI, that I actually felt like a writer.
2. Why Young Adult?
2. It's interesting because YAs are, without question, the most sophisticated, diverse, global and brand–savvy audience in history. I felt Imogene and her circle of friends reflected this. But when the first rumblings of Imogene tumbled out of my imagination, I envisioned her older—in her early 20's—just out of college and beginning her career. It wasn't until an early creative meeting with a publisher and my agent, when it was pointed out that the experiences and the emotions I expressed for Imogene were younger. The things Imogene and her friends were struggling with––romantic infatuation, obsession, swirling hormones, confusion about the one's life path–– were some of the things more befitting high school girls. Also Evie and Imogene have a strong, inescapable bond of best friendship. That kind of bond generally peaks in high school. So all in all, the YA genre just followed suit.
3. What sparked the idea for A Girl Like Moi?
3. The initial spark was irony. There is just something that strikes me funny about real life fifteen year olds who seriously covet and will do anything in their power to purchase a $2,000 Chanel bag.. Girls today are faced with so much temptation, so plugged in and are such voracious consumers of everything from designer clothing to computers, communication, travel, electronics, music and entertainment. All this while straddling two worlds – the world of high school and childhood, and that of the grown up workaday world yet to come, and the struggle for how to keep true to ones self amid all the pressure and noise out there. Mix into that a yearning for fame, stardom, notoriety or whatever you want to call it. To me, that was all such a good backdrop for conflict and storytelling. It was so easy for me to see characters dropped into that crazy life.
4. I loved the character names in the book. Imogene. Spring Sommer. Winter Tan. How did you come up with them?
4. There are four shipping, or, selling seasons that the fashion industry revolves around: Autumn/Winter, Holiday, Resort, and Spring/Summer. Naming Imogene's boss, the head of Hautelaw, Spring Sommer, was a natural spoof on that. Regarding Winter Tan, sometimes things just jump out at you. I was on an airplane, reading a brochure from a shoe manufacturer, whose sales contact was in fact someone by the name of Winter Tan. Really! Winter being the opposite of spring… well, I almost died laughing, because it was so perfect. I couldn't have thought of that myself.
5. What's your favorite thing about Imogene?
5. My favorite thing about Imogene is her positive attitude. I think one of the things to keep in mind, is that life sometimes hands you lemons, which are usually challenges to be overcome. The trick is realizing that a challenge can be an opportunity to tap into something deeper within ourselves, and ultimately, when brought out, makes us better people. So, like Imogene, we have to all strive to make lemonade
6. Can you describe the book in three words?
6. The quick answer is: ambition, love, being true to yourself, fate. But scattered throughout A GIRL LIKE MOI are Imogene's affirmations. There is one affirmation at the beginning of the epilogue, which may sum it up best: A Coeur vaillant, rien d'impossible! Which translates: With a brave heart, nothing is impossible. (Oops, that's seven words!)
7. What was your favorite scene to write?
7. It's hard to distinguish one scene over another because I loved writing the entire book. But if I had to choose just one, it might be when Imogene meets Paolo for the first time––how insecure she was, her embarrassing tongue-ties, her butterflies, and ultimately how unprepared she was to meet anyone whom she could possibly fall in love with, and would lead to the conflict between her heart and her head.
8. Do you have any writing rituals?
8. No rituals in a bizarre sense. What I do is try to clear the decks of any distractions before I begin writing. I return email, read then newspapers (I am a voracious news junkie!). Sometimes I'll zip though my iPod to find some great music to get my molecules racing. Once I'm in the 'zone' I turn everything off--he phone, email, music, everything. And I'm gone. Sometimes for five hours or more. That's always my goal when I begin writing. For me, that's when my writing is the best.
9. What's next for you?
9. I just finished editing "Accidentally Fabulous," the third book in the Imogene series, so what I'm hoping for next is a vacation! Ha! But seriously, I've got three or four books rumbling around inside my brain, so I'm watching carefully which one of them will win the fight to be next. ?
1. That's a great question. Looking back, I think I've been writing ever since I could hold a pencil. Of course, I didn't know I was writing when I was doodling away stream of consciously––plunging the depths of my early pre-adolescent emotions, and drawing and developing characters in my notebooks. (Ahh, If only I had those precious notebooks today!!) Later, as an editor at a fashion forecasting company, I had to write. And subsequently, I worked in the entertainment industry, developing material for motion pictures and television. I'd also written a couple of screenplays, which helped me hone my writing skills. But it wasn't until A GIRL LIKE MOI, that I actually felt like a writer.
2. Why Young Adult?
2. It's interesting because YAs are, without question, the most sophisticated, diverse, global and brand–savvy audience in history. I felt Imogene and her circle of friends reflected this. But when the first rumblings of Imogene tumbled out of my imagination, I envisioned her older—in her early 20's—just out of college and beginning her career. It wasn't until an early creative meeting with a publisher and my agent, when it was pointed out that the experiences and the emotions I expressed for Imogene were younger. The things Imogene and her friends were struggling with––romantic infatuation, obsession, swirling hormones, confusion about the one's life path–– were some of the things more befitting high school girls. Also Evie and Imogene have a strong, inescapable bond of best friendship. That kind of bond generally peaks in high school. So all in all, the YA genre just followed suit.
3. What sparked the idea for A Girl Like Moi?
3. The initial spark was irony. There is just something that strikes me funny about real life fifteen year olds who seriously covet and will do anything in their power to purchase a $2,000 Chanel bag.. Girls today are faced with so much temptation, so plugged in and are such voracious consumers of everything from designer clothing to computers, communication, travel, electronics, music and entertainment. All this while straddling two worlds – the world of high school and childhood, and that of the grown up workaday world yet to come, and the struggle for how to keep true to ones self amid all the pressure and noise out there. Mix into that a yearning for fame, stardom, notoriety or whatever you want to call it. To me, that was all such a good backdrop for conflict and storytelling. It was so easy for me to see characters dropped into that crazy life.
4. I loved the character names in the book. Imogene. Spring Sommer. Winter Tan. How did you come up with them?
4. There are four shipping, or, selling seasons that the fashion industry revolves around: Autumn/Winter, Holiday, Resort, and Spring/Summer. Naming Imogene's boss, the head of Hautelaw, Spring Sommer, was a natural spoof on that. Regarding Winter Tan, sometimes things just jump out at you. I was on an airplane, reading a brochure from a shoe manufacturer, whose sales contact was in fact someone by the name of Winter Tan. Really! Winter being the opposite of spring… well, I almost died laughing, because it was so perfect. I couldn't have thought of that myself.
5. What's your favorite thing about Imogene?
5. My favorite thing about Imogene is her positive attitude. I think one of the things to keep in mind, is that life sometimes hands you lemons, which are usually challenges to be overcome. The trick is realizing that a challenge can be an opportunity to tap into something deeper within ourselves, and ultimately, when brought out, makes us better people. So, like Imogene, we have to all strive to make lemonade
6. Can you describe the book in three words?
6. The quick answer is: ambition, love, being true to yourself, fate. But scattered throughout A GIRL LIKE MOI are Imogene's affirmations. There is one affirmation at the beginning of the epilogue, which may sum it up best: A Coeur vaillant, rien d'impossible! Which translates: With a brave heart, nothing is impossible. (Oops, that's seven words!)
7. What was your favorite scene to write?
7. It's hard to distinguish one scene over another because I loved writing the entire book. But if I had to choose just one, it might be when Imogene meets Paolo for the first time––how insecure she was, her embarrassing tongue-ties, her butterflies, and ultimately how unprepared she was to meet anyone whom she could possibly fall in love with, and would lead to the conflict between her heart and her head.
8. Do you have any writing rituals?
8. No rituals in a bizarre sense. What I do is try to clear the decks of any distractions before I begin writing. I return email, read then newspapers (I am a voracious news junkie!). Sometimes I'll zip though my iPod to find some great music to get my molecules racing. Once I'm in the 'zone' I turn everything off--he phone, email, music, everything. And I'm gone. Sometimes for five hours or more. That's always my goal when I begin writing. For me, that's when my writing is the best.
9. What's next for you?
9. I just finished editing "Accidentally Fabulous," the third book in the Imogene series, so what I'm hoping for next is a vacation! Ha! But seriously, I've got three or four books rumbling around inside my brain, so I'm watching carefully which one of them will win the fight to be next. ?
Enchanting Review: Project Paris
PROJECT PARIS (The Fashion-Forward Adventures of Imogene)LISA BARHAM
Simon Pulse
Trade
$9.99
ISBN-10: 1416914447
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Imogene is back. This time she gets to spend the summer in Paris, working again as an intern at Hautelaw and covering the much anticipated Couture week. Well that is, until the models go on strike and all the fashion shows are cancelled. Imogene panics, knowing if there's nothing to cover, there's nothing to keep her in Paris – that is, until she stumbles upon a hidden stash of designs. She and Evie concoct a scheme to keep Imogene in Paris, covering the hot, new and not to mention elusive designer Monsieur X.
The only problem, Imogene's not sure Monsieur X really even still exists and now her whole summer depends on that little piece of info not being found out.
I have to say I loved this book. It picks up a year after A GIRL LIKE MOI left off and Imogene is a little more mature and a little more experienced. Finally her dream of spending the summer in France is coming true. But when her dream summer is threatened, she'll do anything she can to convince Spring Sommer to keep her in Paris, overseeing the Parisian operation of HAUTELAW – which at the moment, doesn't amount to much more then checking in on the renovation of the houseboat that will serve as their offices.
Add in the appearance of Brooke and the rest of her Wolfe pack and Imogene's summer has the potential for disaster.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: A Girl Like Moi
A GIRL LIKE MOI
LISA BARHAM
Simon Pulse
Contemporary Young Adult
Trade
$8.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-1443-9
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Fashionista Imogene's summer plans have suddenly fallen through. Instead of spending the summer in Paris with her best friend, she's forced to do the unthinkable and get herself a summer job. Just when things look their bleakest, that she's going to have to take the last posting on the internship board at school and work in the local library, there's a last minute addition to the board. An internship at the hot New York fashion magazine, HAUTELAW.
What could be better then spending the summer living with her best friend in NYC and working for the hottest fashion magazine around? It almost seems to good to be true. Maybe it is, when she meets Brooke, the senior intern at HAUTELAW who seems to have it in for her the moment they meet.
Can Imogene keep her job, her sanity and her newfound friends or will Brooke somehow sabotage all?
This is a really fun book filled with great characters. One of my favorite scenes is when Imogene first meets potential boyfriend, Paolo at the party. The words out of her mouth had me laughing out loud and it felt like so true to Imogene.
Imogene is a fabulously fun character who the reader gets to see really grow by the end of the story. A fun cast of memorable characters round out the book, including her fashion designing best friend Evie; her new boss Spring Sommer and newfound friend and model Caprice.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Enchanting Review: Don't Get It Twisted
DON'T GET IT TWISTEDPAULA CHASE
Dafina
Paperback
$9.95
ISBN-10: 0758218613
Rating: 4 Enchantments
DON'T GET IT TWISTED is the sequel to the first book in the Del Rio Bay Clique series, SO NOT THE DRAMA.
Mina Mooney's been asked to one of the hottest parties of the year, the Frenzy, by one of the hottest guys at school. Craig Simpson. Only one little problem -- she's not allowed to date until she's fifteen. And her parents aren't exactly willing to let her go to the party, date or no date.
That's where the Clique comes in, they're going to have her back. Her girls are going to be her perfect cover to get to her to Frenzy and more importantly, to her big date with Craig.
But things are never that simple. Aside from the boy drama, Mina now has to tryout for the school newspaper, competing with another student to write a column that was her own idea. Not to be outdone, her clique has their own drama going on. Jacinta has boyfriend problems; JZ's got issues with his schoolwork that could cost him his spot on the basketball team; Kelly's interested in Angel, the hottie hustler from The Cove and the hot new basketball player Brian keeps flirting with Mina, even when she keeps telling him she has a boyfriend.
DON'T GET IT TWISTED shows what high school is like for a lot of teens, the struggle to fit in and make it through the year as unscathed as possible which in Mina's case is pretty impossible.
Readers would probably benefit from reading the first in the series before reading DON'T GET IT TWISTED as I did feel a little lost with the characters at times.
I look forward to reading the continuing stories in the Del Rio Bay Clique series.
Reviewed by Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Friday, November 30, 2007
Enchanting Review: It's Not About The Accent
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE ACCENT
CARIDAD FERRER
Contemporary Young Adult
MTV Books
Trade
ISBN-10: 1416524916
$9.95
Rating: 4 Enchantments
Caroline Darcy always wanted a life as exotic as her beloved great-grandmother's. Tired of being her boring old self, Caroline's got the perfect plan. When she goes off to college for the summer session, she's going to adopt a whole new persona. As vivacious Carolina, a half-cuban aspiring actress, Caroline is ready for adventure. But sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Things at school start off well. Carolina seems to be a hit with everyone, especially the guys. At her first party, she meets Erik, your typical frat boy. Their connection is almost instantaneous. Then there's Peter, the cute guy she meets at the same party who lives just down the hall. And the way he calls her Caro makes her smile.
It seems like Carolina is a success, but maybe too much of one. As she and Peter become good friends, her relationship with Erik heats up. Between studying with Peter and partying with Erik, her days are full. But when things suddenly go bad and Caroline finds herself in a dire situation, it's Peter who bursts in and rescues her from the brutal attack.
This book is darker in tone then Ms. Ferrer's debut, but it's just as engrossing a read. Caroline's journey is filled with a number of twists and surprising turns that take her from small town Ohio, to her summer on campus, to Miami, and back to Ohio as she discovers her own life might be just interesting as her beloved Nana's.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Enchanting Review: Goddess Girls
GODDESS GAMES
NIKI BURNHAM
Simon and Schuster
Contemporary Young Adult
Hardcover
$15.99
ISBN-10: 1-4169-2700-X
Rating: 3.5 Enchantments
GODDESS GAMES focuses mainly on the relationships between the three girls, all with totally different backgrounds who are forced to become room mates during a summer working at King's Crown resort in Juniper, Colorado.
Seneca could be the stereotypical poor little rich girl. She's harboring a secret - her mother's acting career is a mess, and her working in Juniper is part of her plan to help get her and her mom's life back on track.
Drew, the female jock, is on vacation from her mother after facing a terrible loss. Her focus is solely on training to become an even better runner.
Claire is the reforming party girl who's searching for a deeper relationship with God to help get her life on the right path.
Things aren't exactly smooth sailing for the three roommates, particularly with each other. In a tiny cabin it's easy to for conflict to arise, especially when they don't exactly make the best first impression on each other. Drew and Claire see Seneca as fairly superficial, Seneca sees Drew as rude, and Drew and Seneca see Claire as quiet and somewhat withdrawn.
Conflict abounds when Claire can't be sure of the motive behind Seneca's interest in her L.A. boyfriend and Drew can't stand what she sees as Seneca's superficial ways. As the summer wears on, each girl is forced to deal with their own growing problems until one night forces the three to bond together and their friendship is finally cemented.
I really enjoyed this book, as the reader gets to see other sides to the girls that the characters don't know about till later in the book. Each girl has their own point of view and it's interesting to see what is actually going on with them and their misconstrued views of each other. I especially enjoyed watching Seneca fall for a guy who is so not her typical type.
GODDESS GIRLS is an enjoyable read, with a strong focus on the budding friendship between three girls as they search for themselves.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Enchanting Interview:Kimberlee Mendoza
How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was 7, but I wrote my first full
novel when I was 13. It was originally called, "My Sister,
My Enemy." It is now published by Wild Rose Press under
the new name, "Love thy Sister, Guard thy Man." It's very
cool to see my first "baby" finally born.
What do you like best about being a writer?
Having my imagination come alive and being able to go into
any world.
Why Young Adult?
I love teenagers. I know that sounds cliché, but I teach a
young adult acting class and direct a young adult traveling
drama group. Most of my best friends are under 21. I just
think teenagers are cool. It is fun to write a book and
return to high school. I also tend to write with a young
voice without trying.
"Love thy Sister" was originally rejected by The Wild Rose
Press because the voice was too young. Then they opened the
young adult line and contacted me to be the "launch" book.
What's your writing process like?
I concentrate on the characters and the storyline as I'm
driving my kids to school, trying to go to sleep, or waiting
in line at the grocery store. Then when I finally have a
moment to sit down, I just start typing. I rarely outline,
because I like to see where the characters take me. Once
I've "finished" a story, then I go back through and
tighten it…again, and again.
Do you have any writing rituals?
MUST have chocolate before sitting down to write.
I sit on my couch, with a laptop in my lap, three pillows
behind my back and a bottle of water tucked between the
cushions.
What inspired this book?
I was a teenager when I wrote it, so maybe life. Of course
it's taken many rewrites over the years. My older sister is
afraid the story is about her, but I keep telling her that
the younger sister is the evil one.
How did you come up with the title?
As already mentioned, it was originally,
"My Sister, My Enemy." But other books were released this year
with the same name. So, I just started writing down every
idea I could come up with. Somehow I got to it.
Favorite character in the book?
Oh, I love April. She's my main character's best friend.
She's not afraid to say what she thinks and I love that
about her. She is a lot like a friend I had in high school.
Hardest scene to write?
The beginning. I wrote it four different ways before ending
where I did.
Do you have any sequels planned?
Yes. Actually, I've already contracted two books and have
one more to write. Each book in the "Russell Family Series"
is about one of the four siblings. The other books are
titled, "Oh Brother, You're Not My Keeper,"
"Seek Ye First My Heart" and
"Fried, Scrambled & Unequally Yoked."
"Brother" should be out early 2008.
"Seek Ye First" some time in mid-2008. (I've been told
this is the best one of the three. It is the story of the
"evil" sister.)
What's next for you?
I have "Fried, Scrambled & Unequally Yoked" to write still.
That'll keep me busy for a few months.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Enchanting Interview: Caridad Ferrer
Interview with Caridad Ferrer, author of ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing my entire life— always been a storyteller, always had a journal, always talked a lot. With respect to writing with the idea of publishing, however, I've been at this for about six years.
What's your favorite thing about writing Young Adult?
That it's just a different way of telling a story— a different viewpoint. I especially love being able to show teenagers as well-rounded, viable characters— they might be dealing with situations that are unique to that particular moment in their lives, but the fears, the emotions, how they might choose to deal with the situation—it's not all that different, really, with how adults deal with things. There's always going to be that spark of recognition, of kinship with our younger selves. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love writing stories that appeal not just to teens, but to the teen everyone once was.
What sparked the story?
Basically a combination of my love of and lifetime involvement with music and a "what if" scenario of "What would a show like American Idol be like if it was aimed at Latin American audiences?"
Music plays a huge role in the story. How much did it play in the writing of it?
Oh, just as a general rule, I listen to music ALL the time—I'd go so far as to say it's as integral to who I am as writing itself is. With respect to my writing process, it's there from when I first begin conceptualizing all the way through the writing of the manuscript. There are songs or artists that I'll listen to a lot because they resonate in some way with the story and I also create soundtracks that are representative of the story as a whole or a particular type of scene, so that when I'm writing and it's playing in the background, it's very easy for me to capture the mood and translate it onto the page. I simply can't imagine writing without music.
Did you have to do a lot of research?
Hmm...a fair amount, I guess. I'm a lifelong musician, but not a guitarist, so I had to research types and brands of acoustic guitars and playing techniques so I could create a believable vibe around Ali's performance scenes. Again, a way in which music comes into play, since I'd listen to a lot of guitar music, especially flamenco style to try to capture the passion and joy in playing such a beautiful instrument. The other place I had to do research was in some of the Spanish colloquialisms. Slang can be incredibly different from country to country in Latin America and what might be an endearment or a cute nickname to a Cuban might be incredibly insulting to a Chilean or Argentine. Last thing I wanted to do was to sling around an insult when I meant it to be a compliment!
Describe the book in three words.
AUGH— really?? Okay, um... Emotional. Lyrical. Sweet.
Favorite quality about Ali?
Her ethics. She's incredibly human and imperfect and maybe might fantasize about deviating off that high road, especially when confronted with a Fabiana, but in the end, she was so principled and so badly wanted to win her way. And it's why I loved her father so much too, because he instilled that in her, even if in a sense, it came back to bite him on the behind with her fierce determination to succeed on her terms.
Favorite scene to write?
Oh boy... This is tough. I think it's a toss up between Ali and Jaime's first kiss in the rehearsal studio which was this tender, very sweet moment between them and the scene near the end where she meets Pancho and learns what her future holds in store for her if she's brave enough to take the leap. Writing the exchange at the end of that scene between her and her father where he, in essence, says goodbye to his little girl and hello to the woman she's becoming was so emotional and heart-wrenching for me.
How long did it take you to write the book?
About two months, which sounds like an incredibly short amount of time, but I'm lucky enough to be able to write full-time and a lot of days, I was writing anywhere from eight to twelve hours a day.
Any chance of a possible sequel to Adios to My Old Life?
Oh... I love that you've asked this. I do have an idea for a sequel, or more precisely, a companion novel that would be set ten years after the end of Adiós, so Ali and Jaime would be adults and that's sort of the heart of what I'd like to do— to take these characters we met as kids and see where their lives have taken them. There have been so many fabulous YA books that I've wanted the follow up on the characters as adults— Judy Blume's FOREVER, is a prime example. I desperately wanted to know what happened to Kath and Theo and Michael five or ten years later. While it's not a young adult novel, but more a coming-of-age story, Anne Rivers Siddons' HEARTBREAK HOTEL is another one that has haunted me ever since I first read it, especially since Siddons teases us with hints as to the heroine's future and the definite implications that it's not what she expected it to be. I suppose there's something to be said for maintaining the mystery and allowing the reader to create their own future for the characters, but the idea of a story like that absolutely fascinates me and I'd love to take a crack at creating a viable, interesting future for my characters. Let's hope someone gives me the opportunity!
Interview by Lisa
October 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Enchanting Interview: Stephanie Hale
Interview with Stephanie Hale, author of REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN
Why did you want to be a writer?
I really never even considered becoming a writer. I wasn't one of those kids who kept a journal or made up stories growing up, although I wish I had been. I have always been an avid reader and dreamed of seeing my name on a book some day. I just never thought I would have an idea interesting enough. After having my first son, I got laid off from a job I had worked at for ten years. My husband and I decided that I would be a stay-at-home-mom. I decided to try writing when my son was sleeping and decided if I wasn't published before he went to school, I'd find another job. Luckily, it all worked out.
How long have you been writing?
About five years.
Why Young Adult?
My first book was actually an adult chick lit. I just happened to take an online class about writing for young adults and when I started writing YA I just felt like my voice very much fit the genre.
Can you describe the book in three words?
Smart Funny Mystery
How did you come up with Aspen's character? Aspen is such an unusual name.
I'm big on using the names of cities, states, and countries for some reason. I blame it on the fact that I knew like 500 Stephanie's growing up. I wanted a name that was classy and that people associated with kind of a posh lifestyle. So, Aspen was born and I can't imagine her going by any other name now!
Describe Aspen in three words.
Brilliant, Beautiful, High-Maintainence (I guess that's four, sorry)
Why Dooney & Bourke?
I feel that D & B is starting to cater to the teen crowd and they have such a wide selection of bags that perfectly match Aspen's personality.
What was your favorite scene to write in REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN?
Probably the end when everything is settled. Aspen & Rand can finally be together and Aspen is a better person because of everything she's gone through.
If a movie were made of REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN, who would your
perfect cast be?
Oh, this is my favorite question to be asked. My perfect cast would be:
Hayden Paniettere as Aspen
Shia La Beouf as Rand
Alexa Vega as Angel
Cody Linley as Lucas
Kristen Stewart as Tobi
Ricki Lake as Miss Hott
What's your writing process like?
I don't really have a process right now. I have two boys, ages 4 and 2, so I use any naptime or after they go to bed to write. It gets kind of crazy sometimes!
What's next for you?
The sequel to Revenge of the Homecoming Queen comes out on April 1st, 2008. It is called Twisted Sisters. It follows Aspen and most of the gang to State University where Aspen has to solve another mystery all while dealing with her new sorority sisters.
Interviewed by Lisa
YA_Enchanting Reviews
Enchanting Review: Revenge Of The Homecoming Queen
REVENGE OF THE HOMECOMING QUEEN
STEPHANIE HALE
Contemporary YA
Berkley Jam Trade
Trade Paperback
ISBN 10 0425216152
Price: $9.99
Rating: 4.5 enchantments
Aspen Brooks has spent her entire life waiting to be named Homecoming Queen. But when the
envelope is ripped open in front of the entire school, it's not her name that's read. Instead,
Comfort High's Homecoming Queen is Angel Ives, Aspen's sworn rival. And even weirder, the
school geek Rand Bachrach is named Homecoming King, an announcement made possible by
Aspen's 'supposed' boyfriend. What kind of boyfriend sabotages his chance at being
Homecoming King?
That's only the start of the weirdness. Between the vicious lipstick messages about Aspen
scrawled on the mirror in the girl's bathroom, her tires being slashed and then Angel
mysteriously -- or as Aspen sees it, conveniently - disappearing, things are getting plain weird.
Not to mention the fact Rand keeps coming to her rescue, and horror of horrors, he's not all
that geeky. In fact, he's kinda cool. And he's making her feel things she never thought possible.
When Aspen's mom suddenly goes missing and all signs are pointing that Aspen's next to
disappear, she decides to turn detective and find out who's behind all the disappearances.
This was such a fun book to read, a great combination of humor, romance and mystery that
wraps up with a surprising twist to the mystery that made it hard to put down. Debut author
Stephanie Hale sets up her Aspen series in a winning way. Can't wait to read what happens to
Aspen next.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
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